Calling all young maths enthusiasts, history buffs, and creative minds! The British Society for the History of Mathematics (BSHM) is back with its 2024-25 Schools Prize, and this year’s challenge is all about exploring the world of Ethnomathematics.
What’s the Prize All About?
Every year, we celebrate students who bring mathematical history to life through essays, videos, songs, or even something totally unique! This competition is open to students in UK and Republic of Ireland schools, with two age categories:
This Year’s Theme: Ethnomathematics
Forget textbooks—this is all about uncovering how different cultures have used maths for centuries! Think:
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Incan geometric designs in South America
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Navajo string patterns and their hidden maths
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Māori carvings and weaving techniques
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Aboriginal Australian art with mathematical precision
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African mathematical traditions in games, design, and storytelling
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Oceanic navigation techniques that rival modern GPS!
Your challenge? Pick a fascinating topic, explore the history behind it, and share it in your own creative way—whether it’s through an essay, a film, a song, or something completely different! Just make sure it’s based on real historical events or developments.
How to Enter
Your entry can be in any format:
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A 1,000-word essay (excluding references)
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A 5-minute video, podcast, or song
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Something totally unique—as long as you can submit a document with a link to it
The Prizes!
Key Dates
⏳ Deadline: 27th June 2025 (midnight)
📢 Submission details coming soon!
Why Enter?
This is your chance to explore, create, and win while discovering the incredible ways maths has shaped cultures across the world. Whether you’re a writer, a filmmaker, a musician, or just love a good story, we want to see what you’ve got!
Got questions? Reach out to BSHM Education Officer, Ciarán Mac an Bhaird. We can’t wait to see your amazing ideas!
Full details and entry here: https://www.bshm.ac.uk/schools-prize